Environmental and health protection inspector

What does an Environmental and Health Protection Inspector do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Environmental and Health Protection Inspector works to monitor, investigate, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations within the environmental and health protection field. Tasks include inspecting food businesses, controlling environmental emissions, reviewing construction projects, and advising companies and the public on environmental protection and health. The work often involves close collaboration with other authorities, companies, and sometimes private individuals. Inspectors work both on-site and in offices, where report writing and documentation are important parts of the workday. The profession requires high accuracy, independence, and the ability to handle complex regulations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for Environmental and Health Protection Inspectors have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 39 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further increased to 41 000 SEK, representing approximately an 8% increase over the period. This salary growth can partly be explained by increased societal focus on environmental issues and a growing need for qualified inspectors as regulations become stricter. The salary increase is also influenced by a balanced labor market, where demand and supply are evenly distributed. Regional differences may occur, especially between larger and smaller municipalities, but the national trend is clearly positive.

Environmental and Health Protection Inspector Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
• Women: 40 700 SEK (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 41 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Present – higher salaries in metropolitan areas and the private sector

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Environmental and Health Protection Inspector, a university degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, ecology, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental protection. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is advantageous, and some employers may require specific certifications or courses in food safety or environmental law.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar (3–5 years)
• Specialized courses in environmental law, food safety, or inspection
• Internships or trainee programs during studies are recommended
• Good communication skills and proficiency in Swedish are required
• Continuous learning through further training and courses is beneficial for career development

Common Benefits and Compensation

Environmental and health protection inspectors are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for remote work. Occupational pension and skills development are common, especially in the public sector.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for Environmental and Health Protection Inspectors is characterized by balance, meaning there is neither an oversupply nor a shortage of labor nationally. There are a total of 143 available jobs in the field, indicating good employment prospects for qualified candidates. Challenges include constantly changing regulations, high documentation requirements, and the need to handle sometimes complex or sensitive cases. Applicants should be prepared to work independently, take initiative, and make difficult decisions under time pressure. Regional differences can influence competition, with larger cities often offering more opportunities but also more competition for attractive positions.

Tips for Aspiring Environmental and Health Protection Inspectors

To succeed in this career, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in environmental and societal issues. Being communicative and clear facilitates interactions with business owners and the public, especially during advising or inspections. Precision and structure are essential when following up on cases and documenting inspections accurately. Flexibility is appreciated, as tasks often vary between fieldwork and administration. Staying updated on legislative changes is a big advantage, as is demonstrating integrity and the ability to make independent decisions even under pressure. A solution-oriented approach and teamwork skills provide good conditions for thriving and developing in the profession.

Key Facts about Environmental and Health Protection Inspector

• Education level: University degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office work
• Demand: Moderate with 143 available jobs nationwide
• Common employers: Municipalities and government agencies
• Special skills: Environmental legislation and inspection work

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to specialize further, for example in food inspection, environmentally hazardous activities, or strategic environmental work. Some choose to advance to leadership roles such as team leader or department manager within environmental agencies. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities are assessed as moderate, and demand for Environmental and Health Protection Inspectors is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The profession offers good opportunities for skills development and further education in environmental law or management, which can open doors to roles such as environmental strategist or advisor in both private and public sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental and Health Protection Inspector

• What does an Environmental and Health Protection Inspector earn?
  - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with variation between 34,000 SEK and 48,700 SEK depending on experience, sector, and region.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 41 800 SEK while women earn 40 700 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an Environmental and Health Protection Inspector?
  - A university degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar subjects is required, often combined with specialized courses and internships.
• What is the job market like for Environmental and Health Protection Inspectors?
  - The job market is balanced with 143 available jobs nationwide, and the outlook is considered moderate and stable.
• Who are the most common employers in this field?
  - Municipalities and government agencies are the most common employers, but consulting firms and private companies may also hire inspectors.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Flexible working hours, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, occupational pension, and opportunities for skills development are typical.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, higher salaries are found in metropolitan regions and the private sector compared to smaller towns and the public sector.